Friday, November 05, 2010

Gridlock may not be the end of the world

Media airheads like Diane Sawyer and others are bemoaning the potential "gridlock" in Congress following Republican gains in the most recent election. I guess if you believe in the Nanny state and that everyone who is "hurting" needs a government program, gridlock is bad. However, some economists think that the economy has a better chance of recovering if left alone for a while. Wall Street saw a surge after the election results were in. Further, reckless programs like Obama care, a 2500 page bill rushed through Congress that was probably not read completely by anyone in Congress, (and is probably loaded with special interest goodies), become less likely when there is "gridlock." House Speaker Pelosi said Congress needed to pass the bill so the people could find out what was in it. Contrary to Obama's promises, the bill was not available on the internet before he signed it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against health care reform. I prefer a more careful, thoughtful approach. Further, deficit spending is not always bad. Up to a point it can stimulate the economy. Gridlock may also slow the relentless assault on privacy and Fourth Amendment rights. Contrary to what you may hear, the sky is not falling. LINK

2 comments:

  1. Ray said " ... some economists think that the economy has a better chance of recovering if left alone for a while."

    The economists you speak of are absolutely on target. I expected to see a rise in market confidence with the election results. It's telling when government's productivity is best when gridlocked and they can do no more harm.

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  2. 44: Thanks for the comment. Although there has been some improvement in the economy, I think there will be another bigger jump depending upon who wins the White House in 2012.

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